EAST PALESTINE — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine reaffirmed a commitment to East Palestine’s health care opportunities by awarding $750,000 to the East Liverpool City Hospital for its East Palestine Health Clinic. The funds are meant to help the clinic “to a new location” within the village.

“Two years after the train derailment in East Palestine, we are staying true to our word to residents. We will continue to stand by their side as long as it takes,” DeWine said. “This investment will set up East Palestine’s health clinic for long-term success — ensuring that residents will be able to continue accessing this convenient healthcare resource in their community, even after the cleanup ends.”

The East Palestine Health Clinic clinic evolved from and replaced the temporary health assessment clinic that was opened inside the First Church of Christ through a partnership between ELCH, the Ohio Department of Health and the Columbiana County Health District in the days following the derailment and chemical release.

The main objectives of the temporary clinic were to complete chemical exposure surveys in East Palestine, conduct initial evaluations and triage what was necessary. The temporary clinic was replaced by a permanent one in April of 2023 — just two months after the derailment. It opened on April 10 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included DeWine and ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff — fast-tracked to provide the public with much-requested screening and baseline testing as well as specialized care in the wake of the rail disaster.

According to a news release from DeWine’s office, the funding will enable the clinic to apply to become a federally certified Rural Health Clinic. This would allow operators to access additional revenue streams, helping to ensure the clinic’s long-term sustainability. An RHC is a facility located in a rural area that has been identified as having a shortage of personal health services or primary medical manpower. As an RHC, the clinic would receive payments based on a set rate, which can be higher than the typical fee-for-service reimbursement received by traditional clinics.

Vanderhoff said the latest boost will allow Ohio to follow through on the promise of serving those impacted by the derailment.

“The additional funding we have provided is another signal of the state’s continued commitment under the leadership of Governor DeWine to safeguard the health and well-being of East Palestine area residents,” Vanderhoff said. “From the beginning, we said we would remain involved in the community, and this new iteration of the health clinic should allow it to better serve residents for years to come.”

ELCH officials are evaluating options for a new location for the clinic, but don’t expect to have a site announcement for several months.

Stephanie Conn, president and CEO of East Liverpool City Hospital, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to extend on the care that ELCH already provides to the village.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Ohio Department of Health for their generous support of our primary care clinic, which provides high-quality care to the residents in East Palestine. East Liverpool City Hospital’s commitment to the East Palestine community remains unwavering. We strive to provide exceptional healthcare, improve health outcomes, support the well-being of those we serve, and are dedicated to being a trusted partner in this journey for years to come,” Conn said.

The release said the investment marks the latest commitment under the DeWine administration to provide both physical and mental health support to the East Palestine community following the train derailment.

The clinic is located at 139 N. Walnut St. in East Palestine. Its hours are by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments can be made by calling 330-362-4920.